Starting GNOME Mines opens the
Main window, shown in .
GNOME Mines Main Window.
The bottom of the window shows a game timer on the right and a
counter on the left showing how many flags have been placed and
how many mines exist.
Play proceeds by uncovering squares with the left mouse button and
placing flags with the right mouse button. Successfully uncovered
squares yield information: the number of mines in the adjacent
squares.  shows a game
in play. Note the numbers in the cleared squares and their relation
to flags.
GNOME Mines In Play.
Using the information gathered from the uncovered squares the
player forms hypotheses about the location of undiscovered mines.
As flags are added the left mouse button may be used on the
previously uncovered squares. If the number of flags adjacent
to that square satisfies the number expected
the clicking on the number will automatically uncover all remaining
adjacent squares. If a flag has been placed by mistake this action
will uncover a mine and end play.
shows the result of just such a mistake, note the flag in the
bottom row.
Other versions of Mines use a different button to
reveal adjacent squares. We also support using the middle
button, clicking both left and right buttons together, and
shift+left button.
GNOME Mines Showing A Failed Game.
If flags have been correctly placed on all the mines, and the
remaining squares have been uncovered the game is won, as shown
in .
GNOME Mines Showing A Won Game.
When the focus moves away from the GNOME
Mines window the game is paused and the playing
area hidden.
